Houston Astros: Tony Kemp’s role key even after Tucker’s promotion

Astros outfielder Tony Kemp gets overshadowed by several other players. Most recently, Kyle Tucker forced him into a lesser role in the outfield. But that doesn’t mean his role is insignificant.

Tony Kemp earned his right to stay in the bigs. Astros manager A.J. Hinch said so.

When Houston’s top prospect Kyle Tucker receive a promotion last weekend, fans questioned Jake Marisnick’s demotion. Yet, few acknowledged the move’s effect on Kemp and his playing time.

Hinch explained his decision to have Tucker in left most of the time. Thus, George Springer will play much of his preferred position in center, while Josh Reddick holds down right field.

Of course, all of this could change once Carlos Correa returns. Marwin Gonzalez occupied left some nights before shortstop became absent. Yet, Gonzalez could essentially play seven different positions in seven straight days. But he likely will see time at first and in left primarily.

Kemp is Houston’s second utility guy behind Gonzalez, though he’s mostly scoured the outfield this year. Yet he’s done a tremendous job, especially in the field.

Now he adjusts to a new role, one that will keep him on the bench most nights. But that doesn’t mean he won’t have a significant impact.

Kemp’s biggest asset for the team is his contact ability and speed. Since 2016, the versatile Astros player hit better than .300 in Triple-A while swiping 47 bags across 225 games.

Yet his above-average numbers in the minors failed to translate to his performance in the MLB. But the 26-year-old sports a solid .299 average with a surprising .803 OPS. Even more noteworthy, he boasts more walks than strikeouts at this point.

Kemp’s stats at the dish are exceptional compared to his prior stints in the bigs. However, it’s his defense that nabs most of Houston’s attention. He covers plenty of ground.

The Astros will miss Marisnick’s glove, but Kemp isn’t a shoddy alternative in his role.

Will Houston see Marisnick again?

Marisnick clearly had the defensive prowess to sustain a spot on the roster. But ultimately, his offensive numbers didn’t stack up well when compared to other Astros outfielders.

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After posting a borderline-breakout season in 2017, he’s been arguably a disappointment thus far. The outfielder posted a .243/.319/.496 slash line last season. That kept him afloat, as his biggest competition for a bench role was Cameron Maybin.

But this year, with Tucker’s quick ascension and Kemp’s resurgence, Marisnick was overshadowed. He owns a paltry .594 and is batting below the Mendoza line – .200. Yet, he joins several players in Triple-A that could be in the bigs for several other clubs across the league.

And Houston has been unpredictable lately, as it moved guys like Jon Kemmer and James Hoyt recently. Marisnick’s current contract expires in 2021.

Nevertheless, with Kemp, Tucker and multiple other options, it will be difficult for Marisnick to secure his former role with the team. But that could change if Tucker doesn’t fare well during his initial stretch.

Of course, Marisnick is still a decent option in case of injury as well. He saved the Astros three runs this season, a good amount compared to other fielders.

Next: Dallas Keuchel hasn't escaped inconsistency just yet

And though he will be in Triple-A, surely Houston fans will see him again at some point this season.